A jury has awarded more than $31 million to two sisters who sustained traumatic brain injuries during a California car crash. The lives of Rosie Landeros, 19, and Marta Perez, 28, were changed forever when a drunk driver who drove past a stop sign struck the vehicle they were riding in on June 15, 2007. The ladies were heading to dinner and a movie at the time.
50-year-old Gustavo Davalos Torres, the driver of the pickup truck that struck them, had a BAC of .16 when the deadly California auto accident happened. He did not sustain serious injuries from the collision.
However, Landeros, then 16, suffered a serious California traumatic brain injury that left her in a coma for six weeks. She is still incapable of walking unassisted because of foot drop paralysis. Landeros now has no memory, cannot control her feelings or emotions, and has a crooked left arm. She will require a lifetime of specialized care.
Perez, who also sustained a traumatic brain injury, recovered enough that she has been able to return to her job as a rehabilitation assistant. She says that since the wreck, she has experienced mood swings and memory problems.
Although he told the California Highway Patrol that he drank 2 - 4 beers, an expert testified that to have a BAC of .16, Torres likely drank 8 - 12 beers. The driver pleaded no contest to felony drunk driving and served half of his three-year, four month prison term.
The plaintiffs' California traumatic brain injury lawyers had asked for up to $300 million on behalf of their clients. Of the $31 million verdict that was awarded, $100,000 will go to Perez. Her sister will receive the rest, minus legal fees.
Traumatic Brain Injuries
A traumatic brain injury can ruin the victim's life. In order to survive and maintain some quality of life, many TBI patients require costly, specialized round-the-clock medical care. Often, the victim and his/her family cannot handle the medical costs without help. This is one of the many reasons why it is important to obtain Orange County, California injury damages from the liable parties.
Kern jury awards sisters $31 million, Bakersfield Now, February 2, 2010
Sisters hurt in drunken driving crash get record $31 million verdict, Bakersfield.com, February 2, 2010
Related Web Resources:
Brain Injury Association USA
